“And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Joseph’s story spans several chapters in the book of Genesis, beginning with his dreams, which caused jealousy and resentment among his brothers.
In this particular verse, we find Joseph’s brothers tending to their father’s flock in Shechem. To fully understand the significance of this verse, it is essential to examine the broader context of Joseph’s story.
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. Jacob had a total of twelve sons, and Joseph was favored by his father, which led to his brothers’ envy. Furthermore, Joseph’s dreams, which depicted him ruling over his brothers and even his parents, fueled their resentment.
In the preceding verses, we learn that Joseph’s brothers had gone to graze their father’s flock in Shechem while Joseph remained at home with their father, Jacob. Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, as he was born to him in his old age, and he presented Joseph with a special coat of many colors as a sign of his favoritism.
The brothers’ decision to graze the flock in Shechem is significant because it demonstrates the family’s nomadic lifestyle and their reliance on animal husbandry for sustenance. Shechem was a region located in the central part of the land of Canaan, which would later become the Promised Land for the Israelites.
Shechem also carries symbolic importance in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 12:6-7, we see that Shechem was one of the places where God appeared to Abraham and promised him that the land would belong to his descendants. This covenant with Abraham is part of the foundation for the Israelites’ claim to the land of Canaan.
The mention of Shechem in Genesis 37:12 serves as a geographical marker and connects Joseph’s story to the broader narrative of God’s covenant with Abraham. It signifies the land of promise, a land that will play a crucial role in the Israelites’ future.
In summary, Genesis 37:12 marks a point in Joseph’s story where his brothers, filled with envy and resentment, go to graze their father’s flock in Shechem. This verse establishes the location and foreshadows the significance of Shechem in the unfolding narrative of God’s covenant with Abraham and the eventual possession of the Promised Land by the Israelites.
